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Socobar
Tested version: 1.08
Latest version: 1.08
Requires Android: from 1.5
Summary
Socobar is actually called Sokoban—a logics game invented in 1980 by Iroyuki Imabayashi. Here’s the developer’s explanation as to why the game is called Socobar (as found under Instructions): “I misspelled the game at the beginning”. This isn’t the only thing that made me like the game straight off the bar—but read on to find out whether this charming introduction to the app makes it worth playing the game, or whether the game has merits of its own.
Features & Use
The gameplay is pretty straightforward. Each level is a sort of labyrinth that contains several boxes and just as many “marks” on the floor. These marks have to be covered up by the boxes. Navigate the little green Android you must know so well be now and make him shift the boxes around. The boxes can only be pushed and not pulled, so you have to put a bit of thought into what you’re doing, lest you stay stuck with one of the boxes; this would mean having to start the level all over again.
Already by the first level I came to the conclusion that I would have to employ my “little grey cells”. The level seems easy enough to crack, but in the end completing it took me several attempts. The key is to arrange the boxes in a clever way, and especially to take the sequence into consideration, so that in the end all the marks have been covered up.
Socobar offers two Collections, containing a total of 158 levels. Making it through all the levels would take quite some time and dedication, I’m guessing.
Screen & Controls
There are four buttons located on the lower half of the screen on the starting screen:
Quick Start
Continue last collection
Select new collection
Instruction
Quick Start lets you begin the game in the last level you have not yet completed.
You can choose among the ten next levels of the last Collection you played under Continue last collection; you can only access further levels if you have already successfully completed them.
Select new collection lets you choose between the Default Collection (86 levels) and the Socobar Collection @ Nov 2009 (72 levels).
Instructions gives you a bit insight into the conception of the game, as well as instructions regarding gameplay and controls.
Once you’ve started a game you have a view from above of the whole level. The time it’s taking you is displayed in the upper half of the screen. You can also see which level you’re currently playing and how many moves you’ve already made. Use the Android to maneuver the boxes onto the markings on the ground, using the trackball to navigate the little guy. Alternatively, simply tap on the screen in the direction of where you want the Droid to go and he will be on his way. In order to move a box just click on it; the Android has to be next to the box in order to be able to move it. Both controls options work well, though if your device doesn’t have a trackball you obviously can’t make use of the option.
There are three buttons in the lower half of the screen:
Restart
Undo
Pause
If you do get stuck you don’t necessarily have to start a game from the very beginning—this is where the Undo option comes into play. If you’ve too much of a pig’s ear of a level the Restart button will come in handy.
The game’s weakest point is the graphics, which aren’t exactly overwhelming, though they’re far from being horrible. I was, however, really put off by the advertisements that kept flashing across the lower half of the screen.
Bottom line:
As I said, this game will give your grey matter a bit of a workout. The gameplay, though simple, is challenging. And even though advertisement isn’t as bothersome in a logics game as in other types of games, I’m subtracting points because I found the ads to be irritating.
Speed & Stability
Socobar ran smoothly on both the G1 and the Milestone.
Price/Performance Ratio
The app can be downloaded free of cost from the Android Market.
Comparable Apps
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Michael B
when I FINALLY solved one it froze. would not force close, didn't show up on Advanced Task Killer. Had to reboot HTC Incredible.
Too bad, it was fun.